|
|
QUESTION: Is a 0.5 micron vacuum filter sufficient to filter out lead dust in a
house? A HEPA filter is 0.3 microns, but my new Miele canister does
not accept a HEPA filter, and I just found out that I have lead in my
dust.
ANSWER: I would think .5 micron would do it. But I'd also be more concerned with
where the lead dust is coming from. Remove the source of the lead
contamination. IMHO
I do stuff like this for a living (industrial hygiene).
If I were going to get all excited about taking steps to remove Lead,
I would try to make sure it really is there in the first place. Some
effort or expense here could save a lot of unnecessary work.
There are laboratories that can give a very accurate Lead by weight
analysis for less than $25. For instance MACS Laboratories of Santa
Clara CA is one I would recommend if you are in the SF Bay area (or
you could mail it to them). I think their # is 800-MACSLAB.
I would use a wet method such as mopping before I would consider any
vacuum. Often, vacuum cleaners have defects that cause them to leak
the dust back into the air, making the problem worse.
|
|
|
|
